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— in 2023 with funding from 
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NEW YORK CITY 
BOSTON 
CHICAGO 
PHILADELPHIA 
CLEVELAND 


“Better Than Marble” 


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Bx b CUTIE TOREICES 
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUILDING 


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Fully equipped shops in the following cities at the architect’s service: 


DETROIT 

LOS ANGELES 
PORTLAND 
SEATTLE 

SAN FRANCISCO 


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MINNEAPOLIS 
KANSAS CITY 
ST. LOUIS 
CINCINNATI 
COLUMBUS 


HOUSTON 
ROCHESTER 
PARKERSBURG 
ROANOKE 
MONTREAL 


WINNIPEG 
TORONTO 
LONDON 
HAVANA 
CHRISTIANIA 


“THE PLANT, BEHIND GHEE: PRODUCT” 


PARKERSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA 


Specify Vitrolite for Sanitation, Permanence and Economy. 


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Vitrolite is a manufactured material that has »many 
distinct advantages over marble for toilet partitions, wains- 
coting ‘and wall surfacing,” and that is also especially well 
adapted for table tops’and counters. 


The data here presented we have endeavored to make 
thoroughly practical and in conformance with our under- 
standing of what would be most useful to an Architect. 


The impervious structural material is now an impor- 
tant one among those required in building due to the ever 
increasing demand for sanitation in all that pertains to the 
home, office and public building and hospital. 

The various applications of Vitrolite together with a 
technical description of its nature and qualities and authen- 
tic tests comparing its physical and chemical properties 
with those of marble are here presented, together with 
complete details and specifications ‘covering the Vitrolite 
Toilet Partition. 


TY LENO P hE COMeEANY 


CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUILDING - - CHICAGO 


“A Manufactured Material—Unit Construction—Ask the Contractor.” 


Page Three 


General 
Data 
Regarding 
Vitrolite 


Specify Vitrolite for Sanitation, Permanence and Economy. 


WHAT VITROLITE IS 


VITROLITE is the product of the fusion at 3000° Fahrenheit, of Sand, Feldspar, Fluerspar, 
Kryolith, Silica, and several other natural ingredients which, in passing from a fluid state to that 
of a solid, becomes homogeneous in substance, impermeable to the absorption of foreign matter and 
acid-resisting. It is manufactured in the form of large slabs of various thicknesses which are subject- 
ed to a thorough process of annealing, making them tough, with a tensile strength and surface wear- 
ing qualities exceeding that of marble. Vitrolite may be had in slabs up to 50 inches in width and 
10 feet in length and in thicknesses of 5/16 in., 7/16 in., 14 in., 9/16 in., 5g in., 34 in., 7% in. 
and I in. 


WHY IS, VITROLITE SANITARY? 


Vitrolite is absolutely sanitary because it has a natural fire polished surface that is non-porous, 
therefore, non-absorbent. Glass and marble are artifically polished and therefore porous. 
Vitrolite will not react with alkalis or any acid except hydrofluric. “The surface of Vitrolite has a 
greater abrasive resistance than marble. Vitrolite is homogeneous and does not craze and its depth 
of rich white color gives it an appearance of wholesome cleanliness that completes its sanitary 
qualities. 


THE MANY USES OF VITROLITE 


Vitrolite is largely used for toilet and shower partitions—wainscoting in office and public 
buildings and residences and for wall surfacing in the operating, utility and diet rooms of hospi- 
tals. It is also extensively used for splash boards and for table tops. Decorated Vitrolite may be had 
in large true surfaced panels in a number of artistic designs, fired in ceramic art colors, at 1800° 
Fahrenheit and may be used for friezes and borders in restaurants and lunchrooms and produces an 
artistic and pleasing effect. For wainscot cap decorated Vitrolite affords pleasing contrast and adds 
a note of distinctiveness. Note the illustration of decorated Vitrolite capping in the Great North- 
ern Hotel toilet room featured on page II. 


HOW VITROLITE IS INSTALLED 


The Vitrolite Company is so organized that it has operating construction shops in the princi- 
pal cities of the country, with crews of trained specialists who are thoroughly experienced in the 
handling and installation of Vitrolite, which makes for efficient speedy and satisfactory work with 
the least possible attention on the part of the Architect. Vitrolite is attached to walls and ceilings 
with Vitro cement which is plastic and although holding the Vitrolite securely allows for read- 
justments due to settling. 


Page. Four “4 Manufactured Material—Unit Construction—Ask the Contractor.” 


Specify Vitrolite for Sanitation, Permanence and Economy. 


Authentic data based on tests covering 
relative physical and chemical 

properties of Vitrolite 
and Marble. 


VITROLITE 
is 
impermeable 
to 
stains 
of any 
character 


VITROLITE 
is proof 
against 
organic 

acids 
as well 
as 


alkalis 


The following data was compiled as a result of tests conducted by Mr. F. M. McCullough, 
Assistant Professor of Materials, Carnegie Institute, Pittsburgh, Pa.: 


VITROEITE vs: MARBLE 


CROSS-BENDING TEST 


In cross-bending, the specimen was carefully 
placed on two supports and the load applied at the 
center until the specimen failed. 


ae 
Width Depth Span Load of DEE 
in in in in Rupture 
inches inches inches Lbs. Sq. in. 
WAGHOUONS: 38 onde 3.016 1.018 8 1,625 6,240 
Olivo Marble .... 3.067 .933 8 PHO BINiPXO)e, 6 
Light Cloud Ver- 
mont Marble ... 3.02 B77 8 BO UpyC 
English Vein Ital- 
ian Marble ..... HOO) on (3 Mgr wBsryio 
Grey Tennessee 
Miarbillemrra es 3.00 866 8 350 1,870 
VALTROLTLE meceeresytoyers 3.00 428 4 £475 5,145 
English Vein Ital- 
ian Marble .... 3.01 A794) 205. 1,870 
Grey Tennessee 
Miazblemareniice: 2.033. «ASS 4. 305 2,560 


COMPRESSION TEST 


This compression test was performed by slowly in- 
creasing the load on the specimen until it crushed. 
Cross- Height Load Load in 


Material Section in Total Unit in Lbs. per 
Sq. Inches inIns. Lbs. Sq. in. 
WATROLIDE genes 1.084. X1.069 .974 30,000 25,900 
WAGNXOHUNS 54 coec 1.0665X1I.052 .975 38,690 34,500 
Olivo Marble... .982 x .984 .951 9,540..9,880 
‘Olivo Marble... .876 x .965 1.015 5,370 6,360 
Grey Tenn. 
Miarbley vss: 998 x .862 1.049 14,390 16,720 


Italian English 
Vein Marble.. 1.0725x .928 1.042 14,710 14,770 
*Italian English 
Vein Marble. 1.016 x1.0095 .435 11,450 11,160 
ViIEROLITE See. 1.030 X1I.030 .467 49,000 46,200 
Italian English 
Vein Marble .. 
Meadow Tenn. 
Mia: bllemmeaes-r 999 X .977. .481 18,370 18.810 


The total load is the load registered by the machine 
when the specimen failed; the unit load is obtained 
by dividing the total load by the area of the cross- 
section. ‘The results on * and * are double because 
of bearing surfaces. 


1.007 X1.044 .456 18,260 17,350 


“A Manufactured Material—Unit Construction—A sk the Contractor.” 


Page Five 


= 


Specify Vitrolite for Sanitation, Permanence and Economy. 


New Features Embodied in the Vitrolite Toilet Partition The 
Vitrolite 
Toilet 
Partition 


UNIT CONSTRUCTION 


The new Vitrolite Toilet Partition is constructed in units that are standardized throughout 
and are factory assembled and fitted. All parts are interchangeable, therefore, giving the greatest 
degree of flexibility and permitting quick installations. 


GRAVITY PRINCIPLE OF CONSTRUCTION 


The new Vitrolite Toilet Partition is constructed in conformance with the principle of 
gravity settlement, the partition proper being held rigidly in slotted stiles, but without strain or 
stress at any point. 


NO BOLTS, SCREWS OR HOLES DRILLED 


A new and highly desirable feature is the entire absence of bolts, screws or nuts in the con- 
struction and there is not a single hole drilled in the Vitrolite. 


SELF CONTAINED SHOCK ABSORBING CUSHION 


The Vitrolite partition is 1-inch thick, double faced and contains within itself a shock 
absorbing cushion, which absolutely protects it against the most severe shocks. 


FOLDING DOOR 


The folding door is practical and durable and allows three square feet greater available area 
than with the ordinary door. 


VITREOUS CHINA COVE BASE 


The vitreous china base used makes a nice appearance and when set in a tile or terraza floor 
forms a sanitary coved joint, 


CONSTRUCTION PREVENTS DAMAGE FROM FLOOR SETTLING 


We go beyond the limit of any other manufacturer and agree to replace any partition 
which it can be proved has been damaged as a result of floor settlement. We are able to do 
this because we know that the construction is based on the right principle and will meet all 
conditions in actual service. 


EASY READJUSTMENT 


Anyone can easily readjust the partition to'the proper floor level without disassembling, 
which is a new and highly desirable feature of the construction. 


“A Manufactured Material—Unit Construction—Ask the Contractor.” 


Page Seven 


Specify Vitrolite for Sanitation, Permanence and Economy. 


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“A Manufactured Material—Unit Construction—Ask the Contractor.” 


Page Eight 


Specify Vitrolite for Sanitation, Permanence and Economy. 


Specifications for Vitrolite Gravity 
Principle Toilet Partition and Stiles 


All W. C. partitions and backs shall be of Vitrolite constructed in 
the following manner, in accordance with shop drawings submitted by 
the Contractor doing this work and subject to the approval of the 
Architect. 


Vitreous China Standards: 


Provide a vitreous china standard 12 inches high with sanitary cove 
at base and top recessed to receive 2-inch square section metal stile here- 
inafter described. 


Stiles: 


All stiles to be of sheet metal 2 inches square in section with spring 
lipped channel extending throughout its length. The lower end to 
telescope into the vitreous china standard at least 1 inch, the upper 
end finishing with a cast metal tee connection 6 feet and 5 inches above 
the finished floor. 


Head Rail: 


Provide head rail (of similar section to the stile) which shall serve 
as a trolley track or guide for the collapsible door described below. 
This head rail shall be secured in a workmanlike manner to the tee 
castings at the top of each stile. The hardware, such as spring butts, 
strikes, ete., shall be throughly secured. All metal work described above 
is to be rust-proofed and to receive four coats of celluloid enamel. 


“A Manufactured Material—Unit Construction—A sk the Contractor.” 


Page Nine 


Page Ten 


Specify Vitrolite for Sanitation, Permanence and Economy. 


Vitrolite Partition: 


Each partition to consist of a base 10 inches high, a panel 44 inches 
high and a cap 6 inches high; the base to be supported at the front by a 
vitreous china standard and at the wall to rest upon a Vitrolite base 
12 inches high, which shall have been previously set along the wall. 
The various members of this partition shall be constructed as follows: 
Base and Cap shall be made up of two pieces of Vitrolite 7/16” thick 
mounted back to back with plastic cement upon a felt core. The vertical 
faces of the Vitrolite shall be grooved to a depth of. 14-inch along the 
short ends. These grooves to engage the spring lipped channel of the 
stile at the front and to receive rust-proofed sheet metal strips at the 
end engaging the wall. The cap shall be similarly grooved and secured. 
The panels or die shall be made up of two 5/16-inch pieces of Vitrolite 
mounted in a similar manner. In assembling this partition sheet metal 
dowels shall be inserted into the top edge of the base imbedded in the 
plastic cement between the Vitrolite and the felt and shall extend into 
the plastic cement core of the die. In a similar manner the top edge of 
the die and bottom edge of the cap shall be doweled together, thus 
insuring the alignment of all members. 


The partition shall be erected as above described and the use of 
bolts and angles or the drilling of holes will not be permitted. 


Doors: 


The doors if included in this contract shall be of collapsible 
type, hung by spring butts and hinged in the center by Soss 
hinges. The free swinging end of the door to be suspended from the 
head rail by a ball bearing trolley hanger of a special design. ‘‘In 
public work where statutes prohibit the specification of a single product 
the words ‘‘or other similar fire finished product,’’ may be inserted. 


All necessary holes for plumbing, ete. must be drilled by Vitrolite 
men. 


Separate copies of specifications as well as details we will gladly 
furnish for specification writers upon request. 


“A Manufactured Material—Unit Construction—Ask the Contractor.” 


Photographs of Representative Installations of the new Vitrolite Toilet Partition 


Toilet Room, Great Northern Hotel, Chicago Washroom and Urinal, Great Northern Hotel 
Showing Decorated Vitrolite Frieze Showing Decorated Vitrolite Frieze 


Girls Toilet Jefferson School Washroom and Urinal, Safety Deposit Vault 
Red Wing, Minnesota " Chamber of Commerce Building, Chicago 


Specify Vitrolite for Sanitation, Permanence and Economy. 


Vitrolzte as the Modern EAT 


The Architect who specializes in the design of hospitals knows only 
too well the insistent demand for asepticism in everything that enters 
into the construction and equipment of an Operating, Diet or Utility 
room especially. Vitrolite is aseptic and can be installed in large slabs 
so that seams and joints are reduced to the minimum. No chemicals can 
possibly stain or react with it, it does not craze and can be sterilized 
without injury. Permanence is also an important feature of Vitrolite 
walls and ceilings as they will last a life time and always look clean and 
sanitary. Not only is redecorating expense eliminated, but the disturb- 
ing of the operating program is dispensed with. Vitrolite is widely 
used in hospitals for wainscoting in the bath rooms for toilet partitions 
—for wainscoting halls and corridors—for surfacing the walls and 
ceilings of operating, diet and utility rooms and for table tups in the 
dining rooms of asylums and sanitariums. We show details of recom- 
mended types of construction on page 19. 


“The modern surgeon demands aseptic material in the operating room.” 


Page Thirteen 


Vitrolite 
inthe 
Modern 
Hospital 


A Few Representative Hospital Installations 


s 


Cree 
anitarium, Battle 


Architect. ; 
ie corhings in Operating 


k, Mich. 


Room 


NS 


Battl 


e Creek . 


Vitrolite Walls and 


Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Mich. 
Albert Kahn, Architect. 
Vitrolite Walls and Ceiling in Sterilizing Room. 


Evanston Hospital, Evanston, III. Fairview Hospital, Minneapolis, Minn. 
_ Meyer J. Sturm, Architect. Hewitt & Brown, Architects. 
Vitrolite Wainscoting in Entrance. Vitrolite Wainscoting in Bathroom. 


Specify Vitrolite for Sanitation, Permanence and Economy. 


The Adaptability of Vitrolite for Wainscoting 


Vitrolite is well adapted for use as a wainscot because it possesses 


the durable qualities of marble and in addition highly desirable sanitary Vitrolite 
features which the latter does not possess. A Vitrolite wainscot can be For 
made to look as spotlessly clean after years of service as the day it Wains- 
was installed. It has an exceedingly high light reflecting factor which coting 
means economy in current consumed for lighting. It is also lighter in and many 
weight than marble. fee 


Vitrolite can be quickly and easily washed at any time by merely 
sponging with water. It is impossible to stain it and acids and alkalis 
do not affect it. These practical considerations together with its pleas- 
ing appearance make it a satisfactory and economical wainscot. 


“A Vitrolite wainscot is impermeable to stains and acid resisting.” Page! Fitteon 


COOLING ROOM 
STROH BREWERY 
DETROIT, MICH. 


Paserdixtcen “A few illustrations of typical uses of Vitrolite.” 


Specify Vitrolite for Sanitation, Permanence and Economy. 


The Many Uses of Vitrolite 


We mention here and illustrate on the page opposite and one 
following, some of the many uses of Vitrolite. Vitrolite is unexcelled 
for toilet and shower partitions and toilet room wainscoting in clubs, 
office and public buildings and hospitals. It is equally well adapted for 
wainscoting in the halls and corridors of the class of buildings men- 
tioned, as well as for apartment building entrances. 


In residences there is nothing more likely to please the owner and 
reflect greater credit on the architect’s judgment, than the selection of 
Vitrolite for the bathroom, kitchen and pantry walls and for table and 
cabinet tops. 


For light shafts Vitrolite claims consideration on the basis of its 
high light reflecting factor. 


In the industrial field Vitrolite is used for laboratory walls and 
ceilings—for brine-freezing rooms in ice cream factories, for walls and 
ceilings in bakeries, for walls in electric power stations, for cooling 
rooms and refrigerators in breweries and for walls in creameries and 
dairies. 


Where the architect is called upon to design interiors for markets, 
bakeries, restaurants and lunchrooms, he will find Vitrolite decidedly 
satisfactory for surfacing walls and ceilings, as well as for counters 
bulkheads and basing. 


In barber shops in large buildings, Vitrolite is widely used for 
mirror frames and wainscoting because it is pleasing in appearance, 
sanitary and easy to keep spotlessly clean. 


“A Vitrolite wainscot is impermeable to stains and acid resisting.” 


Page Seventeen 


VITROLITE _ 
SURFACED BATHROOM 
ST.LOUIS 


Page Eighteen “A few illustrations of typical uses of Vitrolite.” 


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| TS. DETAILS SHOWING WALL. CON- 
PLATE V DITIONS For SECURING VITROLITE. 


“A Vitrolite wainscot is impermeable to stains and acid resisting.” 


Page Nineteen 


Vitrolite for Industrial Lunch Rooms, First Aid Rooms and Laboratories 


The Architect is being called upon more and more in the Industrial field to design practical 
buildings as well as to recommend certain kinds of the most approved type of equipment. ‘The 
employees lunch room is becoming more and more a necessary and vital part of every well equip- 
ed plant and we present here some illustrations that we believe would be of interest to the Archi- 
tect. he many Industrial leaders using Vitrolite, after having carefully considered its merits im- 
plies its fitness for the use advocated. We shall be glad to cooperate with architects in planning 
lunch rooms or in connection with installations where Vitrolite is proposed for walls and ceilings in 
laboratories or first aid rooms. We mention the following users of Vitrolite. 


American Tobacco Co. Wilson & Co. Jeffrey Manufacturing Co. 
National Lead Co. Wm. Wrigley Co. Dahlstrom Metal Door Co. 
National Cash Register Co. Illinois Steel Co. American Steel and Wire Co. 
Swift & Co. Butler Brothers. U.S: Playing Card Co. 


LUNCH ROOM VIEWS 


a t 


Jeffrey Manufacturing Co., Columbus, Ohio Wilson & Co., Chicago 


Pace otwenty “Vitrolite table tops are sanitary, easy to clean and durable.” 


